Radar was many things: a triumph of applied science, certainly and a strategic miracle, too; but it was also a pattern of places - a growing network of sites and stations, large and small, temporary and permanent. BUILDING RADAR is the first attempt to reconstruct the growth of that network in detail. With numerous maps and structural studies, it presents the history of British ground radar through its fabric and evolving geography, showing how the system was shaped by the march of war and, as it grew, provided a new focus for the talents of engineers, designers and builders. As the third volume in the English Heritage series Monuments of War, it also assesses the survival of wartime radar stations in today's landscape, showing how protection of these remains is being assured by statutory means.
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Book Description
Many things helped the Allies win the Second World War, but none was more important than radar. Radar's decisive role in 1940 is widely known - the tall towers of the Chain Home stations stand beside the hurricanes and Spitfires, beside Churchill, Dowding and the men and women of Fighter Command as enduring symbols of Britain's `finest hour'. Yet the Battle of Britain was just one episode in the story of British radar. Already by 1940 the system had a long history: five years in the building, the Chain Home layout was shaped by strategic thinking extending back to the First World War. And victory in 1940 secured radar's future in every domestic campaign over the next five years. By 1941 radar stations were controlling night fighters in the Blitz. A year later they were scanning the sea approaches, sentinels against Hitler's navy and invasion fleets. By 1943 radar was preparing to meet the V-weapons - a threat barely conceived when research began, just eight years before. Diversity fostered growth. Many more radar stations were commissioned in the five years after 1940 than in the same period before.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By D. Taylor
Format:Hardcover
This is the third book by Colin Dobinson which I have bought and read. The previous books 'AA Command' and 'Fields of Deception' were well researched, well written and made very interesting reading. 'Building Radar' is a book of the same calibre and I would recommend it to all those interested in the defence of the UK during World War 2.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I was warned that this book would be heavy and not easy to read.
How wrong they were!!! It was very easy and once picked up, it
was hard to put down. Even if you only have a small interest in this
subject it is well worth reading.
How wrong they were!!! It was very easy and once picked up, it
was hard to put down. Even if you only have a small interest in this
subject it is well worth reading.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This excellent books begins from the early days before radar where research went into sound mirrors right through to 1945. Although its a heavy subject the book is a very easy read and covers all aspects of radar even to the purchase of land. Highly recommended.
Dave Wood
Dave Wood
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Historical wise the best...
Very good comprehensive book with detailled information about the history of radar. A must for everybody who want to know more about radar!
Published 1 month ago by Stephan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly accessible
I see one reviewer has given this a slating as it contains errors, and that reviewer appears to have read dozens of books on the subject and be in training for Mastermind, but what... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Neppo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Building Radar: Forging Britain's Early-warning Chain, 1939-45
This is a most remarkable book covering a highly complex subject, while at the same time remaining easy to read and to digest. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Medieval Footslogger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Radar as it was Built
The book Building Radar has been a long time coming! I used to joke with Book, etc., where I was trying to order the book that it took longer to publish the book than it did to... Read more
Published on 19 May 2010 by Mr. B. S. Gambrill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Building Radar
I had been waiting for this book to be published and was not disappointed. It gives a clear picture of the development of radar during WW 2 in the UK. Recommended!
Published on 15 April 2010 by A. T. A. James
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poorly researched waste of money
This is not exactly the best book ever written about radar during the Second World War. It contains many errors, misinterpretation of the primary sources, inconsistencies in... Read more
Published on 7 April 2010 by Mr. C. I. Brown
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